Don’t limit grains if no symptoms of celiac

Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, September 27, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.

Question: My family consumes a lot of 100 percent whole-grain wheat products, but I’ve heard so much about gluten problems that I’m worried we’re harming our health. Should we cut back? — Anonymous

Answer: Some experts feel that gluten sensitivity affects far more people than the 1 percent of Americans who know they have celiac disease. It’s a genetic condition in which gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and some hybrid grains such as kamut — sets off an immune reaction that eventually makes the inside of your small intestine look more like a worn-out carpet than the new shag rug it’s supposed to resemble.

But the truth is, although gluten sensitivity is a lot more widespread than celiac disease or gluten allergy, it’s still less common than a stroll through the gluten-free section at your grocery would have you think. We’re going against the grain and suggesting you keep doing exactly what you’re doing. Whole grains are way too nutritious and delicious to eliminate unless you have genuine problems with them that you didn’t mention.

If one of you does develop any signs of gluten issues — an itchy, blistery rash, having really awful smelling poop or even vague symptoms, like feeling unusually irritable — try switching to grains without glutens, such as chia and quinoa, for three weeks to see if you feel better.

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Q: I’ve had depression for almost 12 years. Is it something I’ll have the rest of my life? Is this something you can get from your parents? — Sandy,

Absecon, N.J.

A: Yes, depression often runs in families, via your genes, your environment or both. If you have been depressed for more than a decade, you may have what docs call chronic low-grade depression or dysthymia (“bad mood”). The symptoms — sadness, loss of pleasure, fatigue, weight fluctuations — are the same as major depression. They just tend to be less severe and last longer.

A bad mood that never lifts won’t go away without help. Many studies show that talk therapy or antidepressants work and that the two work best together. We urge you to try them all: Most people treated for chronic low-grade depression do get better.

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We apologize, but the particle size test for HDL cholesterol mentioned in a previous Q&amp;A column will not be widely available for about a year. We’ll let you know when it is available.

<p>Question: My family consumes a lot of 100 percent whole-grain wheat products, but I’ve heard so much about gluten problems that I’m worried we’re harming our health. Should we cut back?  Anonymous</p><p>Answer: Some experts feel that gluten sensitivity affects far more people than the 1 percent of Americans who know they have celiac disease. It’s a genetic condition in which gluten  a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and some hybrid grains such as kamut  sets off an immune reaction that eventually makes the inside of your small intestine look more like a worn-out carpet than the new shag rug it’s supposed to resemble.</p><p>But the truth is, although gluten sensitivity is a lot more widespread than celiac disease or gluten allergy, it’s still less common than a stroll through the gluten-free section at your grocery would have you think. We’re going against the grain and suggesting you keep doing exactly what you’re doing. Whole grains are way too nutritious and delicious to eliminate unless you have genuine problems with them that you didn’t mention.</p><p>If one of you does develop any signs of gluten issues  an itchy, blistery rash, having really awful smelling poop or even vague symptoms, like feeling unusually irritable  try switching to grains without glutens, such as chia and quinoa, for three weeks to see if you feel better.</p><p>u</p><p>Q: I’ve had depression for almost 12 years. Is it something I’ll have the rest of my life? Is this something you can get from your parents?  Sandy,</p><p>Absecon, N.J.</p><p>A: Yes, depression often runs in families, via your genes, your environment or both. If you have been depressed for more than a decade, you may have what docs call chronic low-grade depression or dysthymia (bad mood). The symptoms  sadness, loss of pleasure, fatigue, weight fluctuations  are the same as major depression. They just tend to be less severe and last longer.</p><p>A bad mood that never lifts won’t go away without help. Many studies show that talk therapy or antidepressants work and that the two work best together. We urge you to try them all: Most people treated for chronic low-grade depression do get better.</p><p>u</p><p>We apologize, but the particle size test for HDL cholesterol mentioned in a previous Q&amp;amp;A column will not be widely available for about a year. We’ll let you know when it is available.</p>